I am going to have to make one of those for myself, I have a heck of a time keeping my knives sharp. I agree with you about cheap gear, however, in my old age, I have found at times it is cheaper to put out the money for the good stuff rather than replacing crap all the time. More than that I have found it advantageous to know what quality stuff is and buy it cheap at yard sales and auctions. I have some very high end stuff that I have paid less for than new crap. It always makes me smile when I can rescue someone elses quality junk. Thanks for sharing, always informative.
I've been making "paddle" strops for decades pretty much just like this, it was good to see that someone else does too. I even figured out how to make one for stropping re-curve knives after I bought my first one and was told that using a wooden backed strop for it wasn't possible, that only a loose belt can strop a re-curve. My thought when I heard that? "Challenge accepted!" It was actually pretty easy and worked better than even I imagined it could. I just took a smooth log that I had stripped the bark off of, with no knots or depressions in the wood, and split it down the middle. I sanded both sides down so it was even smoother than it was naturally across the arc and until the bottom sat flat and solid on a tabletop, then I did pretty much exactly the same thing you did here by gluing a leather strip to it. It wasn't easy to clamp the leather down to allow it to dry, I finally figured out to use another piece of leather, pull it tight across the whole thing, and clamp the ends of the leather together on the bottom to hold it in place. I use actual stropping compound on my strops, so once the glue dried I loaded it up and stropped my re-curve on it. Wow, does it work well! If you've got any re-curves you'll really like having one. It's easier and faster than using a belt and without the danger of slipping and cutting yourself that you get when you strop that way. Another good video, keep 'em coming! Thanks.
Thanks for the tip on the valve lapping compound. The white rouge is the proper one to use as a final step in the stropping process. The black and green rouges are more aggressive. Stropping once more on plain leather smooths the edge even more IMHO. Old time Barbers stropped their razors on plain leather. You are a brave man doing this project on Brooke’s rug and kitchen counter. 😀
Another great DIY video! Proof positive that you don't have to spend a gazillion dollars to get what you need. I bought an old pair of leather boots at a thrift store for five dollars. They didn't fit but I didn't care. I cut them up to make leather strops and then cut the hard rubber soles into shavings. Fire starters. Old people know stuff too. :-) BTW, you and Brooke are on first name basis around our place. Love your videos and we think you two are absolutely adorable. Keep up the good work.
If I had some leather around, I would have tried that... but my strop came from Amazon. Great info about the compounds and the valve juice... Thanks for sharing.
Sheryl here from Bloomington MN.... I am going to make my own strop. I was looking for instructions and came upon you for this... how very lucky of me. I am going to try after that to make my first spatula and spoon. Love ya Brother in Jesus
Thanks for the tip on the valve lapping compound. From what I’ve read and from my experience the white rouge is the final one to use in the stropping process. The black rouge is the most aggressive with the green between the two. If you strop on just plain leather it will smooth the edge even more. You are a brave man doing that project on Brooke’s carpet and kitchen counter.
As a former owner of a dollar store I have come to prefer the term "cost effective" rather than cheap. Certain items may be of way higher quality, but there are times when it is more cost effective to use something else. That strop looks like a good idea. I've never used one before. Think I will give it a try. Thanks for the instruction.
Thanks for the tutorial on making a strop. As a novice to knife sharpening (courtesy of wicked edge) I also wanted employ stropping but can't seem to find anything local... Then I saw this video. Now I am ALL set. Thank you!
Good piece thanks. Next project during the pandemic. Doug Linker showed a build a few years ago, with a green side. Dunno what that was. You should hook up with Shawn James, Joe and BackCountry Ontario Angling; as well as the Baird Bros. Doug will turn up with Finnegan. Do it. The Long house needs to be finished.
You sir are very interesting. I just ran across your channel and have been watching some of the most amazing and interesting stuff Ive ever seen. I doubt anything you put up would be uninteresting. I dont even think the majority of people watch because of the skills you teach or gear you may show but because of who you are as a person. Both you and your wife are pretty amazing people. You prob dont even see yourself as that and thats what makes you even more interesting. So pretty much no matter what you decide to broadcast would be of interest to us.
So glad you mentioned the valve lapping compound. I now can blame it all on you. Even though I've been using it since the late 70s on my knives an strop. I used the white buffing compound too. Lol but hey it works for me so it's all good. I do everything on the cheaper side to. By that I mean if I see it I make it. Thanks for the smile! Keep it up.
I love that stone silo and glad it survived. I have not seen many of those down here. I have seen several old stone laid wells and have a 36' one right behind my house, in the back yard.
I made one out of a wooden paint stick, some adhesive and my old belt. I called it the "women be good stick". Now if only I could figure out what to use as a stropping compound. P.S. My wife and I were rooting for you guys to win. So close!
I see wheelhorse tractors in your garage,I have 3 ..last a lifetime,Kohler engines are as good as it gets,,love your videos,keep healthy and warm,,CRIP in OHIO
So I have a question when it's all said and done with your leather on your board do you just put that green compound on it or do you have to first wet your leather then put your buffing green compound on?
+ Gary: Even if I could afford to pay a lot for gear I wouldn't want to do it usually cause I am cheap ain't gonna lie. Think it's in my blood. hahaha.
I have a Ken Onion WorkSharp system and don’t get me wrong that will get a knife sharp. But I made a strop out of extra leather from my welding apron I got from harbor freight. I laid that strip of leather on top of a 2x4. Ran my pocket knife down it 3 times on both sides and the difference is Extremely noticeable. My pocket knife went from yeah that’s a sharp knife to a literal razor blade. A leather strop is a important part of sharpening a knife.
Great video on making a leather strop. I did basically the same as you did. I also made a leather strop with a dog style "C" clip and a wooden handle that I can hook to a eye bolt and strop. Since I do leather work (knife sheaths, holsters and other leather items), I have access to leather and since I hunt I wanted something to sharpen my knives I use. I have stones, but unless you damage the edge you just need to strop the blade. Juddie - J & J TOA
Go to the paint store and ask for a free stirring stick. If you're worried that one stick is too thin, laminate two together-it's all just glue and clamps.
Hey, Dave... Nice job, there. I really enjoyed making my own strop, and find that touching blades up is very therapeutic. LOL, having the cat "Helping" always a good thing...
My local thrift store has been a good source of cheap leather belts and some times larger pieces of leather for projects. I've even been known to chop up a purse or old brief case to harvest the leather.
@@Bushradical I respect your 'cheapness'. In my village I am actually known as "Mr Cheap". It is said with respect- especially when people need something done for less money. Cheers
A sharpening stone is more coarse and is used to remove more material than a strop will. The strop is used after the stone to put a polish on the blade and finish the edge that the stone started.
Yup a good strop will change your life. I have used silver polish on a strop before and it worked aswell. But now I use that green stuff. I found a great big block of it super cheap. Pretty sure I will never need to buy any again. I am a cheap gear guy too but a good well made knife is hard to find cheap. There are some that are out there that are good but not as good as knife smiths like LT. or many other guys out there that put their hearts into there trade. You really get to see the difference once you use one for a while eh? Great video Dave
Yea man, I can’t thank you enough for the kind words, my buddy Jeremiah had a huge smile as you were talking about his sheath, he’s not a TH-cam guy, he on instagram though, he just does it as a hobby as well. Thanks again my friend! Talk to ya soon
You made yours different from my Dad's. His was just 2 pieces of thick leather sewed together. Hurt like h*ll when you got across you backside. lol! Kept his knives looking good, too. It got stolen.
It must be really weird to have your tools in two different locations thousands of miles away from each other. Can never do that. I still recall to this day hiding nun-chucks in a ceiling from my mother and feel like knocking on the current owner's door and asking if I can grab them! I need my tools WHEN I need them. Very nice project. Where does Brooke get that kind of leather? My wife works at an automotive seat maker and she gets me small pieces from LEXUS and Telsas and so forth but not that thick of leather. Can't do much with it.
I LOVE that story. You get your chucks back...and let me know how it goes. Brooke got that remnant from a guy who sells leather at a flee market, so there is no way to tell where it came from......but its like a shoe leather.
Any concern for how flat the wood is? I was thinking of using plywood to avoid warp issues. Also, if you lost the L T Wight Genesis, would you consider purchasing one now that you have grown so fond of it?
I personally wouldn't worry about the board. I'm no expert , but I don't think it would matter if it wasn't perfectly true. And Yes I might replace it if lost, But I might pick a different LT wright knife.
Awesome job👍🏻 it looks better than the one I paid money for lol. That is a lot of nice leather! Did you end up getting that knife to a scandi or did you leave the microbevel?
I’ve started putting tiny secondary bevels on all my knives and then stropping it to a convex. The edge is much stronger. Maybe one day I can get my hands on one of those super steels and have a straight scandi.
That is to bad, wooden barns are sure getting scares and they have so much character. I know they don't have much use for modern equipment storage. But did the round, stone silo survive, in front of the barn ?
PS: down here where I live, the old wooden barns, were mortise and tenon beams that were pegged . All the timber for the one on my wifes great grandfathers place was all cut out of the woods . If I remember correctly the center posts on either side, measured 12" sq. and 60' tall. Once the tin goes, they rot quickly it seems. Same thing happened to it, a very high wind lifted the whole roof off and blew it to the ground. Before my time there, it had a wooded floor down the center for, buggies and wagons. Part of one side for couple cows to be milked and a tack room on part of the other side and a large hay loft, that still had a good layer of hand cut and pitched hay and ceiling track with rope hook/clam like clamp ?? Built around 1916.
Hey Victor , the stone silo survived just fine. I hate to see the barn go too, but i'm also glad it did. The peak of the roof was 40' high and there was no second story floor for a hay loft. This cold barns were made for storing loose hay, and nobody has done that for 80 years. Also the foundation was bad on one end......You could never put the work in that it needed, it would just cost too much.
Bushradical I fully understand Dave. That is why most have gone by the way side. Some had such steep roofs, no one wanted to crawl up and repair them either. Hey, barn siding is in style now days and a lot of people are using it inside . Might get a good price for some of it ? Enjoy your fall weather and get your wood in :-)
I got a blue and a white stick for a wheel I use the blue but it still a little bit grabby but works like a dream. I use it on my chisels knifes and carving knifes I also heat the leather with a hot air gun to put it on the first time. I was amazed at what you guys did on alone. I dont get it here in Switzerland but got some on the tube not all. Your knife will thank you for that strop man.
Hey there Dave ; question - rough out side to wood / smooth side up - is that correct & what kinda wood was that > looked like a fair nice / dry piece > have a blessed day man - kirk out for now - thanks man
Thanks for info. Would have been nice to see how sharp the knife got by cutting a piece of paper. Were you able to get that little drop of glue off the rug, ;-)
Good information there Dave never have tried the valve lapping compound on a strop but it worked well looks like I use the green color rouge most time and white buddy that stropping puts that knife right back we’re it needs to be
Whyy do u yuze power toolz in dis bushcraft channel? Dat iz not buchcraft at all. U should do it wit just a flint or uther primitive tool or nife. Dat iz buchraft PS. Great video Dave! I love that you demonstrate all of these necessary, primary skills for outdoor folks! We need more people like you and Brooke on youtube
Thanks Sam. Love the Euro Accent by the way. I need to do a video where I make a "bushcraft fire" by pouring a can of gas on an old tire and lighting it. Should really bother the purists.
Bushradical - Love this comment and laughed my azz off . A non follower of the terminology "bushcraft" which is supposed to be the definitive term for outdoor and primitive living . I have been teaching this "stuff" since 1976 .
Master Tracker that was a funny answer and I laughed too. I thought the strop fit the "bushcraft" ideal very nicely. When you think about it, hardly any if at all, are made bushcraft tools we use. They are state of the art packs, tarps, knives, axes, ferro rods, etc. Most made in factories on hi precision machines. We use $200 knives to make a stick tripod to hang our titanium pots over a fire. It's all good. Lol I think the term Bushcraft more refers to how people choose to camp with what little they can carry and then live off whats around them as apposed to driving into the campsite with the truck loaded. Im not a bush crafter. I dont carve wooden spoons or bowls. But ima make one of those strops. I dont have a power saw. Ill prob glue a few paint stir sticks together. Thats what it looks like to me. Lol. Peace
Gre Gory - Yep ... I / we don't teach "bushcraft" . We teach various comprehensive skill sets based on proven methodologies - based on a minimalist mindset and improvisation with materials at hand . When someone (typically a kid with a mora knife and a Ray Mears book ) tells us we "aren't doing it the bushcraft way " , they get the education of a lifetime . Takes about 2 minutes . I personally have ZERO problems with anyone who calls themselves a bushcrafter - zombie killer or Lord of the Universe if this makes them feel all warm and fuzzy . Gear made on CNC machines and hyper modern materials is lovely stuff and my favorite blade for shelter building - processing firewood - butchering large game and other hard use is still a knife made from a lawn mower blade * 1060 steel . The "one knife does it all " is a myth and people like Kit Carson would agree . Paint sticks with emery cloth glued on them are excellent and super lightweight = Good call . ATB
Hey Dave, As we can see and already new chevymarineretarded was just a troll with nothing to offer. I sure like that stone silo in front of your barn ! Now is that your place in Michigan ?
yes you're correct the white compound is called Tripoli and usually used on a buffing.cutting wheel but i like the idea to use it on the strop so now i see my next project
Typically, after sharpening, a demonstration of how well it works, both before and after is helpful. I get that this video is about making a strop rather than sharpening, but a sharp edge is the desired outcome, or why make a strop? Just saying……
The strop should not be ridged and should flex on the blade when striped. The sharpness of the blade is checked with the thumbnail, not rubbing at 90* to the blade. All you feel is the burr on the blade that way. I use a straight razor or cutthroat razor every day. The thumbnail will find every nick in the blade. If you ever use a straight razor you'll never go back to a safety razor. My intent was not to hurt your feeling. Another way to test is to run your thumb lightly along the edge, when sharp it will try to pull your thumb into the blade. That way you are not feeling a burr but the blade alone.
Ermmm... A great way to conserve leather (or textile) is to cut a long, thin strap along the whole leather and then cut it in two, rather than take a big square chunk out of it in hope that the other side can be used for something. Otherwise, thank you for the video.
Vegetable tanned leather is firmer and can hold compounds better. Chrome tanned leather is softer, and it also contains chromium salts, which is not good for metal.
I am going to have to make one of those for myself, I have a heck of a time keeping my knives sharp. I agree with you about cheap gear, however, in my old age, I have found at times it is cheaper to put out the money for the good stuff rather than replacing crap all the time. More than that I have found it advantageous to know what quality stuff is and buy it cheap at yard sales and auctions. I have some very high end stuff that I have paid less for than new crap. It always makes me smile when I can rescue someone elses quality junk. Thanks for sharing, always informative.
Me Too Kevin. I love the old stuff.
I've been making "paddle" strops for decades pretty much just like this, it was good to see that someone else does too. I even figured out how to make one for stropping re-curve knives after I bought my first one and was told that using a wooden backed strop for it wasn't possible, that only a loose belt can strop a re-curve. My thought when I heard that? "Challenge accepted!" It was actually pretty easy and worked better than even I imagined it could. I just took a smooth log that I had stripped the bark off of, with no knots or depressions in the wood, and split it down the middle. I sanded both sides down so it was even smoother than it was naturally across the arc and until the bottom sat flat and solid on a tabletop, then I did pretty much exactly the same thing you did here by gluing a leather strip to it. It wasn't easy to clamp the leather down to allow it to dry, I finally figured out to use another piece of leather, pull it tight across the whole thing, and clamp the ends of the leather together on the bottom to hold it in place. I use actual stropping compound on my strops, so once the glue dried I loaded it up and stropped my re-curve on it. Wow, does it work well! If you've got any re-curves you'll really like having one. It's easier and faster than using a belt and without the danger of slipping and cutting yourself that you get when you strop that way. Another good video, keep 'em coming! Thanks.
Sounds like something I need to put on my list! Sounds useful!!
From les paul Jr's to bush camps you got me covered. You are the freaking man lots of love from newfoundland
Thanks for the tip on the valve lapping compound.
The white rouge is the proper one to use as a final step in the stropping process. The black and green rouges are more aggressive. Stropping once more on plain leather smooths the edge even more IMHO. Old time Barbers stropped their razors on plain leather.
You are a brave man doing this project on Brooke’s rug and kitchen counter. 😀
Richard Edgecomb so I don’t need a compound?
I like that you don't overthink things. Too many people make a project like this too complicated.
Thanks James
Good quick project
Another great DIY video! Proof positive that you don't have to spend a gazillion dollars to get what you need.
I bought an old pair of leather boots at a thrift store for five dollars. They didn't fit but I didn't care. I cut them up to make leather strops and then cut the hard rubber soles into shavings. Fire starters. Old people know stuff too. :-)
BTW, you and Brooke are on first name basis around our place. Love your videos and we think you two are absolutely adorable. Keep up the good work.
Thanks Rod. Brooke and I both appreciate the compliment!
If I had some leather around, I would have tried that... but my strop came from Amazon.
Great info about the compounds and the valve juice... Thanks for sharing.
The lapping compound is pretty aggressive....it'll also clean a knife up quick.
Sheryl here from Bloomington MN.... I am going to make my own strop. I was looking for instructions and came upon you for this... how very lucky of me. I am going to try after that to make my first spatula and spoon. Love ya Brother in Jesus
Thank you Sheryl, and good luck!! Let me know how it turns out.
Thanks for the tip on the valve lapping compound.
From what I’ve read and from my experience the white rouge is the final one to use in the stropping process. The black rouge is the most aggressive with the green between the two. If you strop on just plain leather it will smooth the edge even more.
You are a brave man doing that project on Brooke’s carpet and kitchen counter.
LOL, I'll do anything I want in my house.........but don't tell Brooke I made a mess of the kitchen...and the rug. Thanks
Bushradical 😂
Bushradical I was going to comment on the glue on the rug. Even I noticed it so I'm sure Brooke did :-) Maybe you got it cleaned up before it set?
I have no idea what you're talking about....
:-)
As a former owner of a dollar store I have come to prefer the term "cost effective" rather than cheap. Certain items may be of way higher quality, but there are times when it is more cost effective to use something else. That strop looks like a good idea. I've never used one before. Think I will give it a try. Thanks for the instruction.
Thank you.
I tried the valve lapping compound and worked wonderfully. Thanks again for this tip.
You're welcome.
Really enjoyed your time and video bud thanks for sharing.
Thanks for the tutorial on making a strop. As a novice to knife sharpening (courtesy of wicked edge) I also wanted employ stropping but can't seem to find anything local... Then I saw this video. Now I am ALL set. Thank you!
Thanks!
Good piece thanks. Next project during the pandemic.
Doug Linker showed a build a few years ago, with a green side. Dunno what that was.
You should hook up with Shawn James, Joe and BackCountry Ontario Angling; as well as the Baird Bros. Doug will turn up with Finnegan.
Do it. The Long house needs to be finished.
I dont know Shawn James, but Jim and Ted are good friends of ours
Great video.
I love the old barn in the background it if isn't invasive I would love to see a video that tours your old farm,especially the barn.
Maybe.... I don't know if its something that people would find interesting.
Yes we would like to see your old barn!
You sir are very interesting. I just ran across your channel and have been watching some of the most amazing and interesting stuff Ive ever seen. I doubt anything you put up would be uninteresting. I dont even think the majority of people watch because of the skills you teach or gear you may show but because of who you are as a person. Both you and your wife are pretty amazing people. You prob dont even see yourself as that and thats what makes you even more interesting. So pretty much no matter what you decide to broadcast would be of interest to us.
So glad you mentioned the valve lapping compound. I now can blame it all on you. Even though I've been using it since the late 70s on my knives an strop. I used the white buffing compound too. Lol but hey it works for me so it's all good. I do everything on the cheaper side to. By that I mean if I see it I make it. Thanks for the smile! Keep it up.
Thanks Aubrey, being Cheap is the ticket!
Great job on that strop, Dave! I have an old Remington leather belt I want to make into a strop so thanks for the tips.
Let me know how it turns out.
I love that stone silo and glad it survived. I have not seen many of those down here. I have seen several old stone laid wells and have a 36' one right behind my house, in the back yard.
Love the old stone work!
thats a knife to pass down the generations
Very nice...looksike I will be buying some valve oil...lol!!
Thanks for a great video.. LilyMarlaina
Your glue sets up very quickly , but couldn't make out the brand . Never thought about using valve compound and cool info . THX again .
The glue I used is Tight Bond. You can get it anywhere, its a wood working glue.
Thanks for the info . Time to try some Tight Bond .
I do a lot of guitar repair, so I always have some around. Its great stuff.....just old school wood glue.
Thanks again . Old guy who has been playing guitar for 51 years .
Love those old Martin acoustics and Fenders .
Contact cement works very well for these. I have a few that have never failed me.
right on
I made one out of a wooden paint stick, some adhesive and my old belt. I called it the "women be good stick". Now if only I could figure out what to use as a stropping compound.
P.S. My wife and I were rooting for you guys to win. So close!
Thanks Cody. We did our best.
I see wheelhorse tractors in your garage,I have 3 ..last a lifetime,Kohler engines are as good as it gets,,love your videos,keep healthy and warm,,CRIP in OHIO
Hey Steve, I have a couple videos on my B-80 tractor.
I just got done tearing apart a 518-h for parts, and I have a 310-8 ....love my Horses.
Just like myself, you work in places where you shouldn't. On your nice rug haha. Great video bro. LIKED
Thanks Clay......the rug seemed like a good place to work ............
I hope Brook didn't get to mad about the glue on it!
Good Stuff from a totally believable guy!! ... with no excess BS!!
Thanks Rick
So I have a question when it's all said and done with your leather on your board do you just put that green compound on it or do you have to first wet your leather then put your buffing green compound on?
Cat is a great sidekick supervisor
He's a big help, lol
Hey Dave, Thanks for the video, I just made a strop from an old leather belt the other day! That was a beauty piece of leather...
It sure was. Hows the channel going EO?
Thank you Dave that was awesome I'm going to make me a strop right now!
Awesome . Let me know how it turns out.
I sure will Dave thank you sir!!
another good one dave i like how truthful you are about your gear i would have trouble paying a lot fore gear too
Thanks Gary. Being cheap ......we should start a club.
+ Gary: Even if I could afford to pay a lot for gear I wouldn't want to do it usually cause I am cheap ain't gonna lie. Think it's in my blood. hahaha.
That knife would be great for that guy that never loses a knife or several knives it the woods!
Could you do a video on how to make a sheath for a Bushradical Ulu knife?
I've never thought of carrying an ulu in a sheath.....I'll have to think about that...
Dave, do you use the rough side up or the smooth side up ?
I have a Ken Onion WorkSharp system and don’t get me wrong that will get a knife sharp. But I made a strop out of extra leather from my welding apron I got from harbor freight. I laid that strip of leather on top of a 2x4. Ran my pocket knife down it 3 times on both sides and the difference is Extremely noticeable. My pocket knife went from yeah that’s a sharp knife to a literal razor blade. A leather strop is a important part of sharpening a knife.
Great video on making a leather strop. I did basically the same as you did. I also made a leather strop with a dog style "C" clip and a wooden handle that I can hook to a eye bolt and strop. Since I do leather work (knife sheaths, holsters and other leather items), I have access to leather and since I hunt I wanted something to sharpen my knives I use. I have stones, but unless you damage the edge you just need to strop the blade. Juddie - J & J TOA
Right on. Sounds like a nice setup.
I use green and white buffing compound on my strops. Both work extremely well. Never tried valve grinding compound.
Its really aggressive. It'll clean up a dirty knife.
Nice looking strop!
Been wanting to make one too!
Do it, and let me know how it comes out.
Thanks for the info.
Your cat is just as helpful as ours.
Thats not saying a lot , LOL!
All our cats like to help out !
Loved the video Dave! I need a strop really bad! I need to get with it and build one!
DO it! The let me know how it turned out.
Bushradical I don't have a ban saw or jig saw. Need to figure out how to cut the shape?
You could use a coping saw...they're cheap
Bushradical I think I have one! Great idea!!!!!🤘🏼
Go to the paint store and ask for a free stirring stick. If you're worried that one stick is too thin, laminate two together-it's all just glue and clamps.
Hey, Dave...
Nice job, there.
I really enjoyed making my own strop, and find that touching blades up is very therapeutic.
LOL, having the cat "Helping" always a good thing...
Thanks Dave, I feel the same way...its nice to just strop a knife ...therapeutic, is a good word.
My local thrift store has been a good source of cheap leather belts and some times larger pieces of leather for projects. I've even been known to chop up a purse or old brief case to harvest the leather.
Right on. I have parts of an old briefcase in my leather pile too
@@Bushradical I respect your 'cheapness'. In my village I am actually known as "Mr Cheap". It is said with respect- especially when people need something done for less money. Cheers
@@kirkjohnson9353 , thats awesome
looks like a good idea, think I will try to make one. Never thought about lapping compound
......its what I had on hand. It works well buts its pretty aggressive.
Love it. Thanks for the video.
-James
Thanks!
That was pretty simple to make,would it work like a sharpening stone?
A sharpening stone is more coarse and is used to remove more material than a strop will. The strop is used after the stone to put a polish on the blade and finish the edge that the stone started.
Kirk Johnson thanks
🤘
I don't have a strop yet, but I got the strap at school in grade 2 that looked a lot like that paddle there. Cheers Eh!
Thanks JSH!
Joshua Smith-Homesteader
Lol....I can identify w/ that...yikes...!
NICE STROP❕
Thanks!
Yup a good strop will change your life. I have used silver polish on a strop before and it worked aswell. But now I use that green stuff. I found a great big block of it super cheap. Pretty sure I will never need to buy any again. I am a cheap gear guy too but a good well made knife is hard to find cheap. There are some that are out there that are good but not as good as knife smiths like LT. or many other guys out there that put their hearts into there trade. You really get to see the difference once you use one for a while eh? Great video Dave
Thanks ATO. The longer I have the LT wright knife the more it impresses me.
Nice strop and presentation but you really need to clean your shop so you don’t have to work in the kitchen 😜😜
Great looking strop brother! I’ve been wanting to make one for my pack, think I’ll do it this weekend! Cheers Dave
Thanks Steve. Your knife was a huge hit.
Yea man, I can’t thank you enough for the kind words, my buddy Jeremiah had a huge smile as you were talking about his sheath, he’s not a TH-cam guy, he on instagram though, he just does it as a hobby as well. Thanks again my friend! Talk to ya soon
You made yours different from my Dad's. His was just 2 pieces of thick leather sewed together. Hurt like h*ll when you got across you backside.
lol! Kept his knives looking good, too. It got stolen.
It must be really weird to have your tools in two different locations thousands of miles away from each other. Can never do that. I still recall to this day hiding nun-chucks in a ceiling from my mother and feel like knocking on the current owner's door and asking if I can grab them! I need my tools WHEN I need them. Very nice project. Where does Brooke get that kind of leather? My wife works at an automotive seat maker and she gets me small pieces from LEXUS and Telsas and so forth but not that thick of leather. Can't do much with it.
I LOVE that story. You get your chucks back...and let me know how it goes. Brooke got that remnant from a guy who sells leather at a flee market, so there is no way to tell where it came from......but its like a shoe leather.
Awesome job buddy. Now off to make one. Lol...
Right on!
Very nice video. Can you pls tell me the name of the two compounds U put on both sides???
One side was valve lapping compound the other side was a buffing compound
Any concern for how flat the wood is? I was thinking of using plywood to avoid warp issues. Also, if you lost the L T Wight Genesis, would you consider purchasing one now that you have grown so fond of it?
I personally wouldn't worry about the board. I'm no expert , but I don't think it would matter if it wasn't perfectly true. And Yes I might replace it if lost, But I might pick a different LT wright knife.
Do you glue down the finished or unfinished side of the leather?
I glued rough side down
Awesome job👍🏻 it looks better than the one I paid money for lol. That is a lot of nice leather! Did you end up getting that knife to a scandi or did you leave the microbevel?
I got it close to a scandal, but stropping it will probably not help the scandi.
I’ve started putting tiny secondary bevels on all my knives and then stropping it to a convex. The edge is much stronger. Maybe one day I can get my hands on one of those super steels and have a straight scandi.
Thank you, it is good knowledge to keep file in the mind.
Thanks.
How does the leather sharpen a knife???🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧💖🙏❤️
Glue on the rug! Holy crap .... you are in big trouble now, Mr. he he he
uh-oh.
BangFlop When Mama gets home he's in trouble lol!
Thinking that's why the second leather piece was applied *outside*. hahaha
Dave ,
In that shot where the barn is behind you, is that a stone silo or a wire crib full of ear corn ? I couldn't tell from that distance ?
Stone silo.
I need to make one of these, got a whole lot of knives needing attention.
Is that your pocket size bushcraft strop for your light hiking kit?
I don't have a light hiking kit, lol.
Does it matter what type and thickness the wood is?
No, not really
Well,I just happen by, I'm telling Brooke you're in big trouble ....lol.....
Great watching how to's ,great vlog.
thanks.
Not only is that leather gonna soak up that glue but so is that rug!!!😂😂
LOL,
Great idea for a strophe see you when get back from my shop, I got a strophe to make.
Right on RB!
Dose it matter what side of the leather to use? What I mean is on most leather it has a really smooth side and the other is rougher
Good question. I used the smooth side, but I don't know whats right..
That is to bad, wooden barns are sure getting scares and they have so much character. I know they don't have much use for modern equipment storage.
But did the round, stone silo survive, in front of the barn ?
PS: down here where I live, the old wooden barns, were mortise and tenon beams that were pegged . All the timber for the one on my wifes great grandfathers place was all cut out of the woods . If I remember correctly the center posts on either side, measured 12" sq. and 60' tall.
Once the tin goes, they rot quickly it seems. Same thing happened to it, a very high wind lifted the whole roof off and blew it to the ground. Before my time there, it had a wooded floor down the center for, buggies and wagons. Part of one side for couple cows to be milked and a tack room on part of the other side and a large hay loft, that still had a good layer of hand cut and pitched hay and ceiling track with rope hook/clam like clamp ?? Built around 1916.
Hey Victor , the stone silo survived just fine. I hate to see the barn go too, but i'm also glad it did. The peak of the roof was 40' high and there was no second story floor for a hay loft. This cold barns were made for storing loose hay, and nobody has done that for 80 years. Also the foundation was bad on one end......You could never put the work in that it needed, it would just cost too much.
Bushradical
I fully understand Dave. That is why most have gone by the way side. Some had such steep roofs, no one wanted to crawl up and repair them either.
Hey, barn siding is in style now days and a lot of people are using it inside . Might get a good price for some of it ?
Enjoy your fall weather and get your wood in :-)
Would’ve liked to see a paper cut test
I use polishing compound on my strops it is a bit sticky but get the knifes shaving sharp ;-)
I think that white compound is pretty close to that....its super fine and super sticky.
I got a blue and a white stick for a wheel I use the blue but it still a little bit grabby but works like a dream. I use it on my chisels knifes and carving knifes I also heat the leather with a hot air gun to put it on the first time. I was amazed at what you guys did on alone. I dont get it here in Switzerland but got some on the tube not all. Your knife will thank you for that strop man.
Thanks Southpaw!!
Hey there Dave ; question - rough out side to wood / smooth side up - is that correct & what kinda wood was that > looked like a fair nice / dry piece > have a blessed day man - kirk out for now - thanks man
The wood was ancient tongue and groove pine, nothing special at all...the leather was glued rough side to the wood.
Thanks for info. Would have been nice to see how sharp the knife got by cutting a piece of paper. Were you able to get that little drop of glue off the rug, ;-)
I have no idea what you're talking about.....LOL
Good information there Dave never have tried the valve lapping compound on a strop but it worked well looks like I use the green color rouge most time and white buddy that stropping puts that knife right back we’re it needs to be
I don't have the green or I would have used that myself. Thanks LT
I Had a Very Repulsive Visceral Reaction when you showed the Paddle. Yikes!
Best Wishes from Montana M.H
Whyy do u yuze power toolz in dis bushcraft channel? Dat iz not buchcraft at all. U should do it wit just a flint or uther primitive tool or nife. Dat iz buchraft PS. Great video Dave! I love that you demonstrate all of these necessary, primary skills for outdoor folks! We need more people like you and Brooke on youtube
Thanks Sam. Love the Euro Accent by the way. I need to do a video where I make a "bushcraft fire" by pouring a can of gas on an old tire and lighting it. Should really bother the purists.
Bushradical - Love this comment and laughed my azz off . A non follower of the terminology "bushcraft" which is supposed to be the definitive term for outdoor and primitive living . I have been teaching this "stuff" since 1976 .
Master Tracker that was a funny answer and I laughed too. I thought the strop fit the "bushcraft" ideal very nicely. When you think about it, hardly any if at all, are made bushcraft tools we use. They are state of the art packs, tarps, knives, axes, ferro rods, etc. Most made in factories on hi precision machines. We use $200 knives to make a stick tripod to hang our titanium pots over a fire. It's all good. Lol
I think the term Bushcraft more refers to how people choose to camp with what little they can carry and then live off whats around them as apposed to driving into the campsite with the truck loaded. Im not a bush crafter. I dont carve wooden spoons or bowls. But ima make one of those strops. I dont have a power saw. Ill prob glue a few paint stir sticks together. Thats what it looks like to me. Lol. Peace
Gre Gory - Yep ... I / we don't teach "bushcraft" . We teach various comprehensive skill sets based on proven methodologies - based on a minimalist mindset and improvisation with materials at hand .
When someone (typically a kid with a mora knife and a Ray Mears book ) tells us we "aren't doing it the bushcraft way " , they get the education of a lifetime . Takes about 2 minutes . I personally have ZERO problems with anyone who calls themselves a bushcrafter - zombie killer or Lord of the Universe if this makes them feel all warm and fuzzy .
Gear made on CNC machines and hyper modern materials is lovely stuff and my favorite blade for shelter building - processing firewood - butchering large game and other hard use is still a knife made from a lawn mower blade * 1060 steel . The "one knife does it all " is a myth and people like Kit Carson would agree . Paint sticks with emery cloth glued on them are excellent and super lightweight = Good call .
ATB
Thank you i loved it i have blades some hold a good eadge some not so good this well help greatly
Thanks
Hey Dave,
As we can see and already new chevymarineretarded was just a troll with nothing to offer.
I sure like that stone silo in front of your barn !
Now is that your place in Michigan ?
Thanks . Yes thats our place in Michigan....unfortunatley the barn roof fell in this fall after a real bad storm
"Spreading it out would have been a good idea, too." - Spread twice, glue once.
Ronald Ventola Spread Twice, Glue Once.....sounds like a title of a Porn film
I think a spray adhesive would make more sense as it doesn't create high/low spots the way wood glue does.
maybe
yes you're correct the white compound is called Tripoli and usually used on a buffing.cutting wheel but i like the idea to use it on the strop so now i see my next project
Good luck. Let me know how it turns out.
Pussycat is like “ You better not be thinking of smacking me with that thing.”
Nice job ...but...I would plan that board as that as possible in a planer or with a box plane
Not a bad idea.
_If there's one thing missing from my life is a decent cap._
...........yes you have a point.....but its my favorite hat!
Good stuff , u wet fishn in AK?
Did I go fishing in Alaska? Ive been fishing in Alaska 100 times. I Lived there for 15 years
I wish I had your property. Oh by the way a great & informing vedio
Its a nice old place.
Typically, after sharpening, a demonstration of how well it works, both before and after is helpful. I get that this video is about making a strop rather than sharpening, but a sharp edge is the desired outcome, or why make a strop? Just saying……
Your mom has a nice kitchen
Thats my kitchen, and I built the cabinets and cupboards too
Hey Dave, I know this video is over 2 years old but if you feel like making leather strop to sell I am in Michigan and i would buy one.
Thanks.....no plans right now
Couldn't you have used the rough side of the leather for one side?
I guess it would have worked fine
Did you get your Ass Kicked? You Got Glue on the Rug at 4:21 LMAO
shhhhhh.....I don't anything about glue on the rug.........LOL
The strop should not be ridged and should flex on the blade when striped. The sharpness of the blade is checked with the thumbnail, not rubbing at 90* to the blade. All you feel is the burr on the blade that way. I use a straight razor or cutthroat razor every day. The thumbnail will find every nick in the blade. If you ever use a straight razor you'll never go back to a safety razor. My intent was not to hurt your feeling. Another way to test is to run your thumb lightly along the edge, when sharp it will try to pull your thumb into the blade. That way you are not feeling a burr but the blade alone.
Thanks
Some ripe bananas on the counter..
Nice informative video Dave. What's the bandsaw? Are they expensive I've been after one for a while now 😀
This one is a cheap Ryobi Bandsaw I bought at a pawnshop for $45
Ermmm... A great way to conserve leather (or textile) is to cut a long, thin strap along the whole leather and then cut it in two, rather than take a big square chunk out of it in hope that the other side can be used for something.
Otherwise, thank you for the video.
Thanks.
That looks like chrome tanned leather. Undyed Vegetable tanned leather should be used for a strop.
.....what would be the difference that would make one "proper" and one undesirable?
Vegetable tanned leather is firmer and can hold compounds better. Chrome tanned leather is softer, and it also contains chromium salts, which is not good for metal.
second those who said glue on carpet, and wipe the blade between coarse anf ine strop!